Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents worldwide. It involves any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of driving. These distractions not only endangers the life of the driver and passengers but also pedestrians and fellow motorists. If you are ever involved in such an accident, it is essential to speak to a Fort Wayne personal injury attorney and fight for compensation for the injuries and damages incurred.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the most common forms of distracted driving that every motorist should be aware of.
- Mobile Phone Use
In today’s digital age, mobile phone use has become the most common form of distracted driving. This includes texting, making calls, checking social media, or even using GPS navigation. In fact, texting is particularly dangerous as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention simultaneously. However, despite numerous awareness campaigns and legal restrictions, many drivers continue to engage in this risky behavior.
- Eating and Drinking
Eating or drinking while driving might seem harmless, but it can be a significant distraction. It requires you to take one hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road, even if it’s just for a few seconds. Whether it’s sipping coffee, eating a sandwich, or even just unwrapping a candy bar, these actions can lead to dangerous situations.
- Conversations with Passengers
Engaging in deep or heated conversations with passengers can also divert a driver’s attention from the road. Drivers may turn their heads to make eye contact or use hand gestures while talking, both of which can be distracting. While it’s unrealistic to expect complete silence, drivers should strive to keep their primary focus on the road.
- Grooming
It might be hard to believe, but some drivers use their commute as a time to groom themselves. Whether it’s applying makeup, shaving, or even brushing hair, these activities are distracting and should be done before or after the journey, not while behind the wheel.
- Adjusting Car Settings
Whether it’s changing the radio station, adjusting the GPS, modifying the air conditioning, or setting up a playlist, any activity that takes your attention away from driving is a distraction. So, drivers should ensure all settings are to their liking before embarking on their journey.
- Daydreaming
One form of distracted driving that often gets overlooked is daydreaming or being lost in thought. While it might seem harmless, a wandering mind can be just as dangerous as a wandering eye. In fact, keeping your mind focused on the task at hand is just as important as keeping your eyes on the road.
